Activity

  • Improving Water Cycle Energy Reliability

    Jim Cahill
    Water utilities are challenged to reliably produce and distribute safe, drinkable water to the communities they serve. It’s an energy-intensive process to accomplish this. In a North America Clean Energy article, How the Shift to Distributed Energy Resources Impacts the Water-Power-Carbon Nexus , Emerson’s Jason Blackburn shares how: …two major challenges—water scarcity and water quality—are impacting access to clean…

  • Extending the Digital Twin for More Sustainable Power Generation

    Jim Cahill
    Anyone paying attention to power—and probably even those who aren’t—are well aware that the way electricity is generated and delivered is rapidly changing. While the traditional combined cycle power facilities on the generation side we have come to depend on will be with us for a long time, new sustainable sources of renewable and distributed energy such as wind, solar, battery and green hydrogen are changing the grid…

  • Ovation Users’ Conference: Addressing the Needs of Tomorrow’s Markets Today

    Jim Cahill
    Day two of the Ovation Users’ Group conference opened with Jaime Foose , vice president of global sales and marketing for Emerson’s power and water solutions business, sharing how Emerson is addressing the needs of tomorrow’s markets today. Jaime emphasized that everyone is being challenged to make bold changes during these transitional times. We are doing just that by enabling versatile software and subscription models…

  • Ovation Users’ Conference: Reimagining a More Sustainable Tomorrow

    Jim Cahill
    Mark Bulanda , executive president of Emerson’s Automation Solutions business and the keynote speaker for this year’s Ovation Users’ Group opened the conference with a topic that resonated across all speakers: how automation software is helping companies accomplish their commitments to improved performance and, by association, sustainability. Emerson will achieve net zero status by 2045 Mark started by sharing Emerson…

  • Retrofitting Wind Turbine Control for Improved Performance

    Jim Cahill
    The use of wind turbines in the global energy mix continues to grow. According to the International Energy Agency : In 2021 wind electricity generation increased by a record 273 TWh (up 17%). This was 55% higher growth than that achieved in 2020 and was the highest among all renewable power technologies. Such rapid development was possible thanks to an unprecedented increase in wind capacity additions, which reached…

  • Driving Combined Cycle Efficiency Gains

    Jim Cahill
    Combined cycle electrical power generation facilities play an essential role in providing baseload power to the grid. The principle of operation : …is that after completing its cycle in the first engine, the working fluid (the exhaust) is still hot enough that a second subsequent heat engine can extract energy from the heat in the exhaust. Usually, the heat passes through a heat exchanger so that the two engines can…

  • Extending Wind Turbine Useful Lives

    Jim Cahill
    Given the ever-growing presence of wind turbines in the global energy supply mix, what happens to them as they age? In a LinkedIn article, Retrofit: A Second Life for Wind Turbines , Emerson’s Power & Water Solutions business president, Bob Yeager , describes the essential role retrofits play in enhancing wind turbine performance. Bob opens by noting that not only are new developments significant: …but also with an…

  • Evaluating Combustion: Efficiency Alone is Not Enough

    Jim Cahill
    In an Industrial Heating article, Emerson’s Andrew Smith breaks down the complexities of combustion control, and provides a solution Some industrial processes prove to be more complex in actual operation than they first appear. One of the most common is combustion, as applied with boilers, fired heaters, ovens, and the like. Conceptually, it is very easy to understand: mix fuel with air in the right proportion and it…

  • Driving Electrical Power Grid Sustainability

    Jim Cahill
    Let’s wind down this week with a look at the growing complexity in electrical power generation and distribution networks. Advancing technology plays an important role in managing this complexity for grid resiliency and reliability. This 3-minute YouTube video, Emerson Sustainable Grid Solutions shares ways that grids with unpredictable renewable energy can be transformed into predictable, reliable power through real…

  • Microgrid Control Solution for Resilient Performance

    Jim Cahill
    As the northern hemisphere closes in on the winter months, the resiliency of our electrical power grids is a concern, especially here in Texas which experienced significant outages due to extreme cold last winter. In an Electric Energy Online (EET&D) article, Maximizing Microgrid Resilience Through Integrated Automation Strategies, Emerson’s Rick Kephart shares ways for businesses and other facilities to develop contingencies…

  • Making Sense of Cybersecurity

    Jim Cahill
    Identifying the right cybersecurity solutions can be overwhelming. It seems as though every week we’re alerted to a new cybersecurity breach impacting another industry. Unsurprisingly, organizations across the globe—particularly those in critical infrastructure such as power and water providers—are responding by quickly acting to better secure their operations and assets against external intrusion. However, there are…

  • Redefining AI: Turning Analytic Insights into Actionable Intelligence

    Jim Cahill
    Transition from Reactive to Predictive Data analytics is a critical enabler of digital transformation, making it possible for numerous industries—power generation among them—to shift how they operate and become more efficient and agile and, consequently, more competitive. Advanced analytics can transition power producers from a reactive operations and maintenance approach to a predictive or prognostic strategy. This…

  • Ovation Users’ Conference – It’s a Pleasure to be of Service

    Jim Cahill
    In an Ovation Users’ Conference panel discussion between Glenn Heinl , vice president of Lifecycle Services; Mike Brown , manager of lifecycle proposals; Jaime Foose , director of security solutions and lifecycle shared services; and Hugo Ibarra , manager of west regional projects, participants looked at how the power and water industries  are changing to sustain the infrastructure of the globe, and at the upcoming technologies…

  • Ovation Users’ Conference – How Collaboration Leads to Success

    Jim Cahill
    If there has been one constant topic of the 2021 Ovation Users’ Conference, it has been that change is everywhere, and the message from Monil Malhotra , vice president of North America projects and sales and Steve Graf , director of North America sales was no exception. Change is particularly striking in power because it has been a slow and stable industry for so long. Monil explained that change in the power industry…

  • Ovation Users’ Group – Balancing Change

    Jim Cahill
    Emerson’s 2021 virtual Ovation Users’ Group Conference opened with Bob Yeager , president of power & water solutions, and Rick Kephart , vice president of technology, sharing a glimpse into the expanding needs of the changing power and water industries. Bob and Rick shared that modern automation systems are about more than just control. Today’s providers are looking for holistic software and technology that form a comprehensive…

  • Case Study: Modernization of Black Start Power Unit Drastically Increases Reliability

    Jim Cahill
    Scientists have warned for decades that climate change can trigger more frequent and intense weather-related events, such as heatwaves and hurricanes which could cause disruptions to power generation and supply. One major U.S. utility digitally transformed a designated black start gas turbine generator to ensure reliable restoration of their electric system in the event of a widespread outage or full loss of power. …

  • Analyzing Combustion – Looking for Leftover Oxygen

    Jim Cahill
    In an automation.com article, Emerson’s Jesse Sumstad and Neil Widmer explain how accurate measurement of excess oxygen in flue gas can be used to improve combustion control. These days, industrial facilities operating combustion processes face multiple concerns, including: Burner efficiency Fuel costs Emission restrictions Public perception of a company’s carbon footprint and overall environmental responsibility…

  • Global Low-Carbon Electrification-Putting Smart Manufacturing Principles into Action

    Jim Cahill
    The obstacles to the adoption of renewable energy have been decreasing in the last decade. Regulations and subsidies that stimulate their application, the reduction of costs and the commitment of countries to combat climate change, are just some of the factors that have contributed to both companies and the general public wanting to focus on the decarbonization of energy production. Such is the case of electricity generation…

  • Deliver better control, reliability, and safety in today’s demanding steam operations with Rosemount 8800 MultiVariable Vortex Flow Meter

    Jim Cahill
    Vortex flow measurement is uniquely adaptive when it comes to handling difficult applications. By virtue of its science, utilizing the von Kármán effect, these instruments are accurate across a wide operating range and effective at withstanding high process pressures and temperatures. In this post, we’re highlighting the latest in our 8800 Flow Meter product portfolio – the MultiVariable Vortex Flow Meter. Designed with…

  • Utilities Find Small Digital Transformation Steps Lead to Big Returns

    Jim Cahill
    Digital transformation. It’s a buzzword we often hear but may not fully understand. Despite much interest in this concept, many questions remain around exactly what it is, what it means and, perhaps most importantly, where do you start? “The biggest misconception about digital transformation is that it is an all-or-nothing proposition,” says Mark Hachenski , director of digital solutions for the power and water industries…

  • Innovative Emerson Technology Helps CVA Improve Management of Hydroelectric Plants

    Jim Cahill
    Emerson control technology offers significant benefits to renewable energy manufacturers. At Emerson Users Exchange Live 2021 Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) , Manuel Bonjean, manager of operations/electromechanical engineering at CVA, an Italian renewable energy company, presented a case study session on anticipating the future of energy through innovation that described how Emerson technology saved CVA more than…

  • Implementing Strong Cybersecurity Best Practices Reduces Cyber Risks

    Jim Cahill
    The importance of cybersecurity has escalated in response to remote work brought on by the global pandemic. Increased connectivity requires organizations to digitally transform operations to support a more sustainable, safer and healthier future. The recent intrusion at the City of Oldsmar water treatment system in Florida underscores the importance of having a strong cybersecurity posture. Periodic reviews of cyber…

  • Strategies for Remote Power Plant Operations

    Jim Cahill
    In an Emerson Exchange Americas Virtual Series industry forum, Power: Strategies for Tomorrow’s Utility, Emerson’s Brett Benson and James Nyenhuis joined two professionals in the electric power industry to discuss how the power industry is: …looking to new digital technologies to improve reliability, reduce costs, and increase operational flexibility of their plants and fleets. One method utilities are exploring is…

  • Ovation Digital Twin Technology

    Jim Cahill
    At the Emerson Exchange Americas Virtual Series, Emerson’s Shen Zhang and James Thompson shared an update on Ovation Digital Twin technology . Here is their presentation abstract: This session will provide an introduction to Ovation embedded simulation then step through what’s needed to develop a plant-specific simulator. An overview of new advanced models and simulation tools will also be provided. James opened describing…

  • Latest Ovation Release Improves Performance, Simplifies Troubleshooting and Provides Added Protections

    Jim Cahill
    Emerson’s industry-leading Ovation platform integrates digitally transformative software and technologies into a unified system that helps customers tackle their toughest challenges. Rick Kephart , Emerson’s vice president of technology for the power and water industries, describes how we continue to evolve the Ovation platform by developing and delivering the automation scalability and flexibility sought by our customers…

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